New directors are now serving on the board of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.

The new directors are Josh Householder, Donna Hanger, Nancy Stelmach, Nicole Merritt and Justin Kratzmeyer. Chamber President Vic Savelli said they are filling positions vacated by the retirement from the board of Ken Johnson, Susan Resnik and Demethrius Boyd. There is a one-year term formerly held by Father Tom Pantle and a two-year term formerly held by Luke Parrish. Hanger, Householder and Merritt will serve three-year terms. Stehlmach will serve a two year term and Kratzmeyer one year.

Hanger is owner of Between Friends on Broad Street. She is a 47-year resident of Mineola and serves on the Tourism Board. As a business owner, she takes pride in her community. “I see the need for business growth within the Main Street Historic District where my business is located.” And, she added, “I’m a firm believer in everyone working together in a professional unified manner.” Hanger has been married to her husband, Charles, for 36 years and they have two children who were both reared in Mineola.

Householder is a Mineola native and lifelong resident. He and his wife Sandy are partners with J.T. and Hannah Arney in the Royal Leopard salon and boutique on Pacific Street. Householder said of serving on the board, “I want to give back and serve the community and to help Mineola continue to grow and prosper.”

Merritt is a former publisher of the Hill Country Gazette and also spent 42 years as a realtor in Houston and Kerrville. She and her husband, James Schaffner, an Upshur County sheriff’s deputy, moved to East Texas three years ago to be close to one a daughter and her family. Merritt and her two daughters opened the chic-boutique, Four Rosebuds, in downtown Mineola. She is a former board member of the Comfort Chamber of Commerce and said, “I welcome the opportunity to serve my community. I am excited about Mineola and all it has to offer tourism.”

Sthelmach moved to Mineola about six years ago. She has volunteered at the chamber and is a member of the National Disaster Photo Rescue as well of First United Methodist Church for which she taught at His Kids after school program. She is also an ambassador with Forever.com and a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “My business background plus a desire to see Mineola grow and prosper while still retaining its core values,” will allow her to serve the chamber and its members.

Justin Kratzmeyer is serving in an appointed position and came to the chamber of commerce board after the election. Kratzmeyer does tax services, bookkeeping and payroll, business consulting and workshops. He is Quickbooks certified and has done volunteer work for the chamber.